Federal Register #2026-15886

Regulatory Closures for Fisheries and Maritime Safety Enforcement in 2026

This notice provides regulatory updates from the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) and the U.S. Coast Guard regarding fisheries management and maritime safety enforcement: - Government Buyers: - National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), part of the Department of Commerce, Southeast Regional Office, Office of Sustainable Fisheries - U.S. Coast Guard, Department of Homeland Security, Sector Northern Great Lakes Waterways Management Division - OEMs and Vendors: - No commercial OEMs or vendors are involved; only federal regulatory agencies (NOAA/NMFS and U.S. Coast Guard) are mentioned - Products/Services Requested: - No products or commercial services are being procured - Regulatory actions include: - Enforcement of safety zones for maritime events in the Northern Great Lakes - Commercial closure of the greater amberjack fishery in the Gulf of America for the remainder of 2026 - Closure of the Angling category Gulf of Maine trophy Atlantic bluefin tuna fishery for large medium and giant fish for the remainder of 2026 - Unique or Notable Requirements: - Closures are implemented to prevent overharvest and protect fishery resources - Safety zones are enforced to protect life and property during maritime events - No procurement, acquisition, or contracting activity is associated with this notice

Description

The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) is closing the 2026 commercial fishing season for greater amberjack in the Gulf of America. This closure is required because commercial landings are projected to reach the annual catch target by August 5, 2026. The closure will be effective from August 8, 2026, through December 31, 2026, to protect the greater amberjack resource. During this period, the sale or purchase of greater amberjack taken from Gulf Federal waters is prohibited, except for fish harvested and sold prior to the closure and held in cold storage.

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